Dor Daedeloth

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Dor Daedeloth was the land of Morgoth.

History

Dor Daedeloth was one of the three large regions of Western Middle-Earth, along with Beleriand and Hithlum. It lay around the fortress of Angband and on both sides of the Ered Engrin. It was here, overall north of the mountains, that the Orcs and other creatures of Morgoth lived and bred.[1]

The march of the Noldor in early First Age was halted there, when Fëanor was mortally wounded by Balrogs. The Noldor then encircled the land (at least in the south), starting the Siege of Angband.[1]

Dor Daedeloth enclosed Ard-galen, the great grassy plain north of Beleriand, later to become the desert of Anfauglith after the Dagor Bragollach had utterly burned it. From The Second 'Silmarillion' Map it seems likely that Dorthonion was also enclosed in this region rather than in Beleriand.

In author's last thoughts the name was to be changed into that of Dor-na-Daerechas[2], though this form was never used in his writings.

Etymology

In the published Silmarillion, the name Dor Daedeloth is translated as "Land of the Shadow of Horror".[3]

References